Need some advice please...41 years old female with lupus/Sjogren's and had total hyster 1 year ago..using bio-hormones and was ok until last May. One day got extremely dizzy and thought I was going to have a stroke-all symptoms..went to ER, said I was fine. That was just the beginning..started getting numbness & tingling all over, esp my face. My sinus area plugged up and I couldnt breathe..got sick to my stomach and the vertigo kicked in. My skin burns and my heart just races all the time, anxiety started then also-never had it before in my life...
My eyes just burn and my stomach seemed like it just stopped functioning..bladder also. All my medications and supplements that I used to take make me sicker....more anxiety mostly?
Been in and out of hosptial with every test and I am low on estrogen, but my alternative doc who sent my blood to Igenex, came back positive on western blot IgG (** on 23-25, 31,34,39,41,83-93)..not sure what to do...he told me I have chronic Lymes based on this and my CD57 Flow Cytometry came back at 3 and wanted me on antibiotic therapy for this. I wasnt too sure because I have terrible systemic yeast and my symptoms also mimic low estrogen..need some advice please..

Hi Rachelle01, I can't help you with the Menopause questions. I can tell you that I live in Howell Mich, very close to you. I have Lyme disase. I have also developed the racing heart/anxiety problems. I have vertigo, extreme dizziness, nausea, and many other symptoms. I've been to the ER many times because of this. Last time in August my HR was 220! Crazy fast. Most of the time it's not like this. I tested positive with IgeneX. I'd be happy to answer other questions the best that I can if you have any.

Are you seeing a Lyme doctor? What meds are you on? Your Western Blot is defininitly positive.

Besides Lyme, ticks can also transmit several co-infections including Babesiosis, two types of Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. Many people who have Lyme are co-infected. It may affect treatment choice and progress. It is important to be tested for these by a Lyme reputable lab such as IgeneX in Palo Alto, CA. Have you been tested for these?

Below is a Lyme symptom list. You can have any combination of symptoms.

Thyroid disorders can also cause some of the symptoms you have. Some people, including myself, have Lyme and a thyroid disorder. It is a double whammy! I suggest that you have your Free T3, Free T4 (besides the T3 and T4) and thyroid antibodies tested in addition to the normal panel. They are not usually done but are necessary for a comprehensive view.

It is also important to learn as much as possible. I recommend reading Dr. Joseph Burrascano's 2005 Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines For Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses (on-line). He is one of the top Lyme doctors in the country, and many Lyme doctors follow his protocols. I also recommend the book "Everything You Need To Know about Lyme Disease
(2nd edition)" by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner.

Yes, I am seeing a doc in my area known for being a great Lyme doctor.
I have to check and see if I was tested for the other little buggers..Igenex did my Western blot..looks like they are the lab to go to.
Im also going to see a Lyme specialist this week for his opinion, but as I can see by some of these posts, it will be up to me to decide. Its all been such a nightmare. Ive been dealing with Sjogren's syndrome and lupus for all these years, now menopause, and now Lyme's? all the symptoms mimic each other to a T..I def think something is really wrong though. I feel so toxic inside and all the medications I used to be able to take, I cant anymore. They increase my anxiety by 100% and I feel like Im going to have convulsions? My stomach stopped working? wont move (digest or anything) and I just feel a burning all over all the time, not to mention this neuropathy pain. I have major systemic yeast so Im not sure how I will be able to tolerate all those anti's? if I decide on lymes treatment. My thyroid was tested (free T3) and is borderline low, but he wanted me to start on Armour low dose. Ive been on prednisone for years so I guess it can alter the labs for it and I have all the symptoms...Need a miracle though...thanks for your help...

Yes, Im on steriods for the autoimmune part, which is also flaring? what the heck to do? I cut down my dosage to 8mg a day which is good.
Im going to research the thyroid further..I have the T3 medication, but never started it because Im worried about it adding to my anxiety, but I heard it can also help with it..will let you know what this new Lyme doc says..thanks for your help..